Billy D. Kenworthy, d. Sept. 26, 2013

Friday

Sep 27, 2013 at 9:00 AM

Billy Dean Kenworthy, 82, passed away peacefully on Sept. 26, 2013, at South Wind Hospice Home in Pratt with his family by his side. He was born March 17, 1931, near Hardtner, the son of Clifford Lee Kenworthy and Margaret Winn Kenworthy.

The Kenworthy family moved to Coats where Bill grew up and graduated from Coats High School in 1950. Bill joined the Army and served our country during the Korean War.

The Kenworthy family moved to Coats where Bill grew up and graduated from Coats High School in 1950. Bill joined the Army and served our country during the Korean War.

He married Betty Irene Howell Kenworthy on Oct. 9, 1955 in Coats. They lived in Agar, S.D., for two years before returning to make their home on the family farm in Croft for 56 years. He picked up the handle "Suitcase" farmer from the many miles traveled to western Kansas and eastern Colorado to farm as well.

His support of the 4-H program was evident as he served many years as a 4-H leader and volunteer for the Pratt County Fair. Bill was also a founding father of Skyline Schools near Pratt where he broke ground and served on the first Skyline School Board of Education. He continued to support Skyline for 46 years where he loved watching his children and grandchildren in many school activities.

Bill was a member of the Coats United Methodist Church and American Legion Post 98.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents; sisters Alberta Petty and Ida Belle Moomau; and brothers Buck, Richard and Bob Kenworthy.

A cremation has taken place. There will be a visitation with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the Ayers-Calbeck Mortuary in Pratt. Celebration of Life services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the First United Methodist Church in Pratt at with John Hamm presiding. The interment will take place at the Coats Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be sent to the Bill Kenworthy Memorial Fund, in care of Ayres-Calbeck Mortuary, 115 East 4th St, Pratt, KS 67124. Funds will be appropriated to causes near and dear to Bill's heart – Pratt County 4-H Foundation, Skyline Schools Foundation, and South Wind Hospice.